NEED TO KNOW
- Scientists have discovered a massive new crater on the moon, created by a rare impact in 2024.
- Such an impact occurs approximately once every 132 years.
- The impact altered a much larger area around the crater, potentially providing valuable information about future moon landings.
Scientists have discovered a massive new crater on the moon, measuring over 728 feet across and 141 feet deep. This crater, larger than the Roman Colosseum, was formed between April 11 and May 22, 2024, as detailed in a study published in Science Advances on Sept. 16.
The collision is believed to have been caused by a fragment of an asteroid or comet, comparable in size to a three- to six-story building, striking the lunar surface. Researchers indicated that impacts of this magnitude are rare, with “this event constituting a statistically rare, effectively once-in-a-lifetime observation.”
Interestingly, the impact itself was not detected immediately. Robert Wagner, an image-processing specialist from Intuitive Machines collaborating with NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, noticed evidence of the crater while reviewing moon images on Oct. 24, 2025.
By comparing images from before and after the impact, Wagner and his team confirmed the formation of the new crater, which they named McGetchin in honor of Thomas McGetchin, a noted lunar scientist.
Further studies revealed that the impact changed the physical and thermal properties of the lunar environment. Affected areas around the crater are about 14 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit colder than their surroundings at night, indicating that the blasting disturbed the lunar regolith, making it less dense and unable to retain heat effectively.
These findings could influence the design of future moon missions, as understanding the impacts and their extended effects will be crucial for planning safe exploration.
You can find the original article on People.
